The U.S. has now exceeded 1,000 measles cases as of Friday, although Texas recorded one of its lower counts of new cases since the extensive outbreak began three months ago.
Texas remains the center of the outbreak, accounting for 709 confirmed cases, which have also affected nearby states like New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Tragically, two unvaccinated children in West Texas and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico have succumbed to measles-related illnesses.
Additionally, other states experiencing ongoing outbreaks — defined by the CDC as having three or more connected cases — include Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
In North America, there are two more outbreaks, both involving the same strain of measles. One in Ontario, Canada, has recorded 1,440 cases from mid-October to May 6, with a weekly increase of 197. Meanwhile, Chihuahua, Mexico, has reported 1,041 cases and one death as of Friday, according to health officials.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious airborne virus, easily transmitted when an infected individual breathes or coughs. Thankfully, it’s preventable through vaccination, and the disease was considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000.
As the virus spreads in U.S. communities with low vaccination rates, health experts are concerned it could continue for an extended period. More details about the current situation regarding measles in the U.S. can be found elsewhere.
What’s the current case count in Texas?
As of Friday, Texas reports a total of 709 measles cases spread across 29 counties, mainly in West Texas, with only seven new cases confirmed since the last update. Additionally, there has been one new hospitalization, bringing the total to 92.
Officials estimate that around 1% of cases — fewer than ten — are still infectious. Notably, 57% of Texas cases are concentrated in Gaines County, where the outbreak began among an under-vaccinated Mennonite community. Here, 403 cases have been reported since late January, which is over 1.7% of the county’s population.
The tragic death in Texas on April 3 involved an 8-year-old child, with no prior health issues, who died from what the doctor termed measles pulmonary failure. Another unvaccinated child also died in late February.
Cases in New Mexico
New Mexico reported four new cases on Friday, totaling 71. Since the outbreak began, seven individuals have been hospitalized, predominantly from Lea County, with a few cases documented in Eddy, Dona Ana, and Chaves counties.
One unvaccinated adult passed away from a measles-related illness on March 6 without seeking medical help.
Oklahoma’s case count
Oklahoma has maintained a total of 14 confirmed and three probable measles cases as of Friday. The health department hasn’t specified the counties involved, but there were public exposure events in Cleveland, Oklahoma, and Sequoyah counties recently.
Measles cases in Kansas
Kansas has recorded 48 cases across eight counties in the southwestern part of the state, with one hospitalization. Gray, Haskell, and Stevens counties have reported the majority of cases.
Indiana’s cases
Indiana has seen eight cases, all concentrated in Allen County’s northeast region, and these cases do not appear to be linked to other outbreaks.
Measles in Michigan
Michigan has reported nine confirmed cases, with a cluster of four cases in Montcalm County, which is believed to be related to the Ontario outbreak.
Montana’s recent cases
Montana announced three new measles cases in the last two weeks, raising the total to eight. This outbreak began in mid-April and marks the state’s first instances of measles in 35 years. State officials have not confirmed if these cases link back to other outbreaks in North America.
North Dakota’s situation
North Dakota has reported nine cases as of Tuesday, marking the first measles cases for the state since 2011. All cases are from Williams County, with three linked to the initial case involving an unvaccinated child who likely contracted it from an out-of-state visitor.
Other cases were among unvaccinated individuals who did not contact the initial cases, raising concerns about community spread. Four individuals were present at classes while infectious in a local school district.
Ohio’s ongoing outbreak
Ohio has confirmed 34 measles cases, including one hospitalization, with outbreaks reported in Ashtabula County and Knox County. Cases are primarily among state residents.
Pennsylvania’s current count
Pennsylvania has a total of 15 cases as of Friday, some related to international travel. Erie County saw an outbreak declared in mid-April.
Tennessee’s cases
As of early May, Tennessee has identified six measles cases. All are in the central region of the state, and while some appear interconnected, further details were not disclosed.
Measles in other states
Measles cases have also emerged in states like Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Often, outbreaks are traced to individuals who contracted the disease outside the U.S.
Understanding the MMR vaccine
The most effective way to prevent measles is through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. It’s typically administered to children between 12 and 15 months, with a follow-up shot between 4 and 6 years. Adults can safely receive an additional MMR shot if concerned about immunity. Generally, people born before 1957 have some level of presumed immunity due to widespread childhood measles at that time.
Community vaccination rates play a crucial role; those above 95% create herd immunity, which hampers the virus’s spread. However, rates have declined post-pandemic as more parents opt for exemptions.
Symptoms of measles
Measles typically begins in the respiratory tract and then disseminates throughout the body, causing symptoms like high fever, runny nose, cough, watery eyes, and a distinctive rash.
The rash usually appears three to five days after initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading downwards. Fever may escalate beyond 104 degrees Fahrenheit when the rash develops, according to health guidelines.
While most children recover, complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, or even death can occur.
Measles treatment
Currently, there is no specific treatment for measles. Medical professionals focus on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications to ensure patient comfort.
